This week's factory quotes sees beef prices remain firm in general with most offers holding at the same level as last week.

No outlets have dropped their base price offer for steers below €7/kg and there seems to be no talk from procurement staff of any further price cuts expected.

There is also some level of cautious optimism on price positivity going into the spring.

The Bord Bia Meat Marketing Seminar took place last week (January 16) in Co. Laois and was attended by senior representatives from a number of the major beef processing outlets.

The general message from processers was that they are confident that demand will be there for Irish beef this year but they are concerned about the supplies.

Factory quotes: Heifers and steers

This week, steers (bullocks) are generally being quoted at €7.00-7.05/kg on the grid and heifers are being quoted at €7.10-7.15/kg on the grid.

Some outlets are offering 10c/kg more for choice lots of heifers and steers meeting specific carcass specifications.

Breed bonuses of up to 30c/kg remain available for eligible Angus cattle but 20c/kg is more common. Hereford breed bonuses are generally ranging from 10-15c/kg for suitable heifers and steers.

Cows

'P' grade cows are being quoted at €6.30/kg in general this week with some variation remaining in cow price between outlets.

'O' grade cows are being quoted at €6.40/kg in general. 'R' grade cows are being quoted at €6.70/kg and 'U' grade cows are being quoted at €7.00/kg in general.

Some cow suppliers are managing to secure higher price rates on well-finished cows in certain cases.

Bulls

Under-24-month bulls are being quoted at €7.30-7.40/kg for 'U' grades. 'R' grade bulls are being quoted at €7.20-7.30/kg

'O' grade bulls are being quoted at €7.00-7.10/kg and 'P' grade bulls are being quoted at €6.90-7.00/kg.

Under-16-month bulls are being quoted at €7.00/kg on the grid.